The ongoing battle between the Cured and the Invalids is at an all time high, and this time, Lena’s an integral part of the fight.Months ago, Lena escaped Portland and the cure that would take away her ability to love. Heartbroken, Lena had to leave behind Alex, the boy she loved. She had to bury the memory of Alex’s love and his auburn hair deep within her. She cannot turn back. The past is dead, and so is the boy who gave her the deliria.Lena runs further and deeper into the Wilds. It’s here she meets other Invalids – so many others – and rebuilds herself.Lena knows what damage the cure can cause, and now she’s fighting back.For Alex.For her mother.For herself.Lena’s deeper into the battle than she realizes. This war is fueled by fiery rage and it’s only a matter of time until she’s burned.Lena is looking for revenge and justice. They took away everyone. She’s not looking for another boy to love. ‘He’ just reminds her of Alex. Her fractured heart can’t handle it … then why is she feeling like this?Does the resistance stand a chance?Can Lena open her heart again?

Many beautiful pieces were tied together to create Pandemonium.Delirium was a great read, but Pandemonium was that much better. It took this series to another level and that was exactly what you’d ask for from a sequel.Pandemonium was intriguing, and it had a fantastic storyline.Like Delirium, Pandemonium was told in Lena’s perspective, but this time there were two timeframes. The chapters alternated between present day Lena and Lena immediately after she escaped into the Wilds. This merging of past and present brought more depth and clarity to the story. Pandemonium would not have been as powerful or had the same effect if it was told in any other way.The events of Delirium changed Lena forever and she became a stronger character because of it. She was more likeable in Pandemonium, because the rawness made her more relatable.Pandemonium made for an emotional read. I felt more for this book in comparison to the first of the series. The crucial moments were more serious and the stakes were higher. Lena was under so much pressure and she deserved a happy ending this time around.Lena was closed off and hardened from losing Alex. Her escape into the Wilds was nothing like she thought it would be mostly because she didn’t have her love by her side. She was entirely focused on getting out, that it never occurred to her what would happen afterwards. She faced dangers, threats, obstacles, and ultimately pulled through.Lena wasn’t completely reliant on other people in Pandemonium. She learned that sometimes she could save herself.I liked Lena in Delirium, but I loved her in Pandemonium.This story was a step up from Delirium and Lena had a completely different mindset. In addition to all the extra baggage she carried, Lena was forced to grow up at an alarmingly quick rate. Her metamorphosis was told stunningly and intricately. Through her words Lauren Oliver brought beauty to Lena’s character.I resisted too, and didn’t want Lena to fall in love again, but I couldn’t help but fall for the new boy myself. In fact, this boy might be loved more than Alex was. He arrived at the right time in Lena’s life, and whether they fell in love or not didn’t matter, because he was the right person to care for her. They really seemed to need each other.Nothing could prepare you for this ending. Lauren must have something up her sleeve, because Pandemonium’s last pages will shock you to the core. I was delirious with glee, because it was the perfect setup for the final book.Pandemonium exceeded any expectations I could have had.

Rating

Premise: 5/5

Plot: 5/5

Writing: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the publisher. This did not influence my review in any way.

February 14, 2012

I love Valentine's Day. I love the idea of showing someone how much you care about them. I think you should tell them you love them everyday, and I don't think you should put pressure on yourself on February 14th, but I think the idea is sweet.Last year on Valentine's Day I decided to make a list of things that I loved; hereby named my "Love Lists". I continued these lists for the 14th of each month. I might have missed one or two, but I like this tradition of mine. It makes me happy and I hope it makes you happy too.

Here's the list:Apple crisp.My Dad especially on Valentine's Day.Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver.American Idol.The Voice.Talking to my Dad about books.Having something to look forward to.Being lucky enough to have the opportunities that I do.Books that break my heart (apparently).The Maze Runner series. Especially The Scorch Trials.Postcards.Baking cookies.That I'm still discovering new things about my phone after owning it for almost 2 years.Days to myself.The Big Bang Theory.The Big Bang Theory plays on multiple TVs in our house when it's on.Scream 4.Carnations.